Tito Ortiz has an interesting relationship with the UFC. Prior to Dana White becoming UFC president he was actually Ortiz’ manager. This type of a conflict of interest is a staple of MMA as a young sport.
While it’s somewhat less common nowadays there are still ‘super’ agents like Ali Abdelaziz that represent half the roster and probably face conflicts of interest day in and out.
47 year old Tito Ortiz believes he was slighted by the UFC. Earlier this year Tito Ortiz clumsily lended his support to Francis Ngannou in his dispute with the UFC revealing he believes he is wiped from UFC history.
But despite that, Ortiz might not be done with the UFC. Ortiz last appeared in the UFC a decade ago and had since had several showings under the Bellator banner. Ortiz won 3 out of 4 there before moving on to his short-lived city councilman stint.
Now Ortiz is lobbying for one last ride in the octagon.
“It’s never over and I think I made that mistake with the UFC when I said I’ll never fight for the UFC ever again,” Ortiz said while speaking to Helen Yee Sports. “And now that I think about it, that’ll be an amazing last fight for myself and for Shogun Rua.”
Rua last fought May 7th against Ovince St Preux on the UFC 274 card. This was Rua’s 41st fight in his 20 year long career.
Rua is rumored to be retiring soon.